NRLW: Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite confident Gold Coast will perform well in first season

They may be first-timers but Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite expects Gold Coast Titans to hit the ground running in their inaugural season in the NRLW.

Evania Pelite understands what it takes to be a champion and the Olympic gold medallist believes something special is building among the first-ever Gold Coast Titans NRLW side.

Pelite will make history on Sunday when she runs out onto McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle as part of the inaugural Titans women’s side, wearing the No.1 jersey.

The 26-year-old was part of the famous Australian Rugby Sevens women’s squad which won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, as well as a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

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Titans fullback Evania Pelite shows off her Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals.

She played three games for the Warriors NRLW side during the 2020 season but has returned home to Queensland this year to link up with the Titans.

The Deception Bay Raiders junior said she could feel something special building on the Gold Coast ahead of the 2022 NRLW season.

“The moment I walked into my first session with the girls I knew it was a really special group,” Pelite said.

“On paper, we have a great team, so it’s nice to see everything coming to fruition with all of the girls gelling together.

“It’s amazing to see how our hard work is paying off after the past five weeks of pre-season together.

“And to be named in the No.1 jersey is really exciting.

Evania Pelite in Sevens mode.

Now a member of the Titans.

“I haven’t played there before but I’m hoping to give it my best shot.”

To make Sunday’s season opening clash even more enticing, Pelite is going head-to-head with her former Rugby Sevens gold medal winning teammate Emma Tonegato who, ironically, will run out at fullback for the Dragons.

“I’m really excited to face her, actually,” Pelite said.

“Em and I have had a few conversations since the teams have been announced.

“It’s a little bit funny that we’ve ended up in the opposite numbers after playing together for the past nine or so years.

“It’ll be interesting to see because we both know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“We have a great friendship so it’s all been pleasant so far, but I am hoping to get one over her.”

Originally published as NRLW: Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite confident Gold Coast will perform well in first season